By Magnus Emuji
WARRI/Nigeria: Ijaw-speaking communities in Niger Delta have commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the surveillance contract given to foremost Niger Delta Youth leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo Tompolo to secure all oil pipelines in the areas, describing the initiative as a step in the right direction towards checkmating oil theft thus boosting the nation’s economy.
Speaking to newsmen in the Tamigbe community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, the Spokesperson for all Ijaw community Chairmen in Niger Delta, Comrade Stephen Akameyai Portarcourt who doubles as the Chairman of the Tamigbe community said that the gesture would have multiplier effects for the country.
He called on all Ijaw and other oil-producing communities to support the efforts of Tompolo and cooperate with him to ensure effective security of oil facilities in order to unravel issues associated with oil pipelines vandalism even as hinted that the youths would be engaged to secure the oil pipelines would be paid a monthly salary.
Mr. Akameyai Portacourt urged Tompolo to strive to sustain his synergy and collaboration with his Kingsmen and carry them along in the scheme of things, adding that the various Ijaw communities in his ability to discharge his responsibilities effectively in accordance with the terms of reference from the federal government.
He recalled that the major source of livelihood of the Ijaws was fishing, noting that following the unabated pollution of their rivers they no longer continue with their fishing activities due to pipeline vandalisation in the riverine areas.
While admonishing their kinsmen to shun acts capable of painting the region in a negative light, Mr. Akameyai Porthacourt asserted that meaningful development could only take place in a peaceful environment.
The Spokesman for Ijaw community chairmen, however, appealed to governments to provide schools, an accessible road network, and hospitals in riverine communities.
He noted that vandalisation of oil facilities has slowed the pace of development in riverine areas just as he called for a change of attitudes among youths of the area.
On his part, a Chieftain of Ijaw Elite Forum, Comrade Cletus Kwalekeme described Tompolo as an uncommon leader of all Ijaw riverine communities in Niger Delta, saying that surveillance of oil pipelines contract by the federal government was well deserved.
